Press release

Niagara County Legislature Majority Leader Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport,
issued the following statement regarding ongoing discussions about the expired
contract of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp.:

"Over the past two weeks, I have received copies
of a form letter from several businesspeople in communities around Niagara
County. The letters are the product of an advocacy campaign originating at the
Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. approximately three weeks ago and
orchestrated by NTCC CEO John Percy himself. The reason for this campaign is
painfully transparent: the NTCC is attempting to pressure the governments of
Niagara County, Niagara Falls and the City of Lockport into hastily renewing
the taxpayer-subsidized agency's now-expired contract, and forcing them into a
long-term agreement that doesn't expire until the year 2028. Furthermore, the
proposed NTCC contract limits the ability of the stakeholders that fund the
agency to evaluate the agency's performance.

"It is my concern that many of the people
sending the letters are doing so out of fear. They are being told that the
County Legislature is jeopardizing their livelihoods by not renewing the
contract. Of course, they are being callously used by Mr. Percy in what amounts
to an effort to save his own job, which pays well into the six figures and has
included such perks as first-class international travel to destinations like
Europe and India.

"With
the county government and the City of Lockport contributing approximately $1.7
million in tax dollars over a 10-year period, an accounting of the NTCC's
stewardship of that money is long overdue. I have spoken to Mayor Mike Tucker
of Lockport's concerns about this matter many times. I know that Mayor Tucker
has raised a number of valid questions and objections related to the manner in
which the NTCC has carried out its obligations. And for those who would seek to
make this an 'East vs. West' issue, it is not. It is well-documented that the
City of Niagara Falls Common Council has expressed the exact same concerns as
Lockport including:

"•There is insufficient
interaction with host communities by NTCC leadership;

"•A lack of communication
or updates from NTCC;

"•A lack of quantifiable
and verifiable results; and

"•Excessive personnel costs.

"Because I would like to
see an amicable resolution to this issue, I am recommending a one-year
extension of the county's contract with the NTCC. During that time, the county
will explore seeking the advice of a national tourism expert as we renegotiate
our host agreement contract to be sure that all Niagara County entities are
receiving optimum results for their investment. If the NTCC and its board are
confident that they are doing the best job possible, there should be no
hesitation on their part to cooperate. The taxpayers deserve transparency
before any long-term contract is signed."